On June 11th, 2008, thousands of people will gather on the northern tip of the Big Island of Hawai‘i to honor King Kamehameha I, the chief who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1795.

Small town, big celebration
Although North Kohala is a small community, each year it puts forth a large grassroots effort to celebrate and pay tribute to King Kamehameha.

Kamehameha Day is recognized as a state holiday throughout Hawai‘i, but North Kohala is a very special place to celebrate Kamehameha Day. Kamehameha I was born in North Kohala, where residents played a prominent role in saving his life as an infant.

Original statue draped in flowers.
See the original statue of the King Kamehameha I in all its holiday glory. Beginning at 8 a.m. on June 11th, the statue in Kapa‘au is decorated with 22-foot-long floral lei created in tribute to the King. Statue decorating ceremonies include hula, history, and music.

Traditional floral parade.
Watch a traditional pa‘u parade with horses and riders adorned in flowers and colors to represent each Hawaiian Island. At 9 a.m., the road closes and the pa‘u riders, floral floats, and marching units step off from the Ainakea entrance in Kapa'au, marching down Akoni Pule Highway to the Kohala Cultural Center in central Hawi.

Enjoy a Ho'olaule'a
Enjoy a ho‘olaule‘a (music festival) where you can eat local food, learn about Hawaiian history and community activities, watch hula and listen to Hawaiian musicians. Ho‘olaule‘a begins after the parade and continues until 4:30 p.m. at the Kohala Cultural Center.

Return to old Hawaiian glamour
On June 10th, the Kohala Cultural Center will host a holoku pageant. Eat, dance, and admire women portraying Hawaiian royalty wearing vintage holoku – elegant missionary-era formalwear with beautiful lines and trains. Wear yours or just watch.

Visitors are Invited
Visitors are welcomed to the North Kohala towns of Hawi and Kapa‘au on June 10th and 11th, 2008 to take part in this unique local event. A trip to this historic area on King Kamehameha Day is sure to be a highlight of a trip to the Islands. While in North Kohala, visitors can take in the natural beauty of ocean cliffs and ranchland, visit breathtaking Pololu Valley, and browse the area’s many shops, restaurants, and galleries. Bring a camera.

Kamehameha Day in North Kohala
All events are free. The Kamehameha Day Celebration is organized by the Kohala Hawaiian Civic Club. All events are subject to change without notice.